Foot Soldiers of the CRM:

Extraordinary Things Done by Ordinary People

Suggested Units of Study | Suggested Activities | Suggested Resources

Leaders of movements are significant for their ability to rally, inspire and represent large groups of people fighting for a cause. Their successes are justifiably etched in our memories via books, the media, and first hand accounts of events. However, there is a danger in reducing significant moments to a handful of individuals and facts as they can reduce a rich and inspiring history to a list of details. The modern Civil Rights Movement (CRM) is a case in point. By learning not just about the leaders, but also about the many courageous ordinary people, often called foot soldiers, who contributed to the success of the CRM, students can better understand the complex nature of this significant period in American history, appreciate the struggles faced by African American citizens, and grasp the dynamic relationship between a leader and his followers.

Framing Questions:

  1. What contributions did the foot soldiers make to the CRM?
  2. How does our knowledge of the contributions of the foot soldiers enhance our understanding of the CRM?
  3. How did the actions of the foot soldiers affect the leadership of the CRM?
  4. How did the different strategies used by the foot soldiers impact the CRM?

Goals/Student Objectives:

  1. Students will identify some of the foot soldiers by name, activity and involvement.
  2. Students will explain the ways in which the foot soldiers contributed to the CRM.
  3. Students will explain how the leadership of the CRM impacted the foot soldiers and vice versa.
  4. Students will express how the actions of the foot soldiers of the CRM have impacted their own lives.